Category: Legal

In this article we are going to look at the most common causes of road traffic accidents that are in turn leading to accident compensation claims being made.

Intoxication

Many accidents are caused by drivers who are intoxicated from alcohol or drugs.

-Bad Weather

One of the biggest causes of road traffic accidents is bad weather conditions. The weather can cause bad visibility or cause bad traction on the road surface which can in turn lead to vehicles colliding with each other or objects such as walls. Other unexpected weather conditions such as flash flooding and black ice can lead to accidents as it is to late to detect it until it has affected you.You may want to check out how car faulty car parts can lead to a major traffic accident for more.

-Driver Error

Probably the largest cause of road traffic accidents currently is driver error. These are range from following cars too closely, falling asleep at the wheel, driving too fast, unsafe overtaking and many other careless and unnecessary mistakes.

-Distractions

This is linked to driver error but is more about the driver being distracted by something outside the car or inside the car. Many accidents are caused by drivers actually being distracted by another accident happening on the road. But even things such as changing cds, looking at your mobile phone or checking out your make up in the mirror can all cause accidents. Basically anything that’s makes you take your eyes off the road can create disastrous situations on the road.

-Road Design

Sometimes accidents are caused by bad road design. This is when a part of the road or traffic control has been poorly placed or designed and can lead to increased accidents in the area. This could be anything from poorly placed signs blocking your view of incoming traffic at intersections to dangerous turnings off of busy roads. Sometimes accidents caused by poor road design will mean that the government or council will be liable.

-Vehicle defects

Sometimes a road traffic accident will be caused by a defect in the driver’s vehicle. These defects can be anything from brake failure to a tire bursting. Vehicle defects can cause an accident on the road, but sometimes these defects will cause more damage in an accident caused by something else. For example some cars will have defective airbags which do not deploy correctly, meaning people involved in accidents may suffer worse injuries. Also some SUV/people carrier style cars are prone to rolling easier which will result in worse injuries for the passengers.

If you commit a crime in Florida, the sentence you face may be elevated based on whether a weapon was used in the crime, the kind of weapon used, and whether you have committed a crime in the past. Facing penalties under the 10/20/Life law or the Three-Strike Violent Felony Offender Act is an especially severe charge.

If you have been charged with possession or use of a firearm in a crime, you will be subject to the 10/20/Life rule if convicted. Any violent felony committed counts as a strike towards the Three-Strikes law. Whether this is your first offense or not, you should find an experienced criminal defense lawyer to help defend you against any and all charges you face. Have a look at Florida sentencing.

Felony Sentences Under 10/20/Life

The possession or use of any firearm during a crime can result in 10 years, 20 years, or even life in prison. If you have used a firearm while committing a crime you face one of the following sentences under Florida law:

10 years in prison or more for possessing or pulling a firearm during a crime

20 years in prison or more for discharging a firearm during a crime

25 years to life in prison for shooting someone during a crime

3 years in prison or more for any felon found to be in possession of a firearm at any time

Three-Strike Violent Felony Offender Act

Under the Three-Strikes law, each violent felony committed counts as one “strike” on a criminal record. This is the sequence that the Three-Strikes law follows:

First Strike. The first violent felony you are charged with makes you subject to more serious sentences for future “strikes” that may be committed in the future.

Second Strike. For a second violent felony offense, a felon is subject to an automatically doubled prison sentence. Third Strike. Being convicted for a third felony constitutes a third and final “strike” and results in a sentence of a minimum of 25 years to life in prison without parole.

Why You Need a Lawyer

Serious felony charges that fall under the 10/20/Life law or the Three-Strike Violent Felony Offender Act can ruin your life. Seeking sound legal advice from an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you prepare an aggressive defense for your case. A lawyer who specializes in felony cases will have greater expertise dealing with the serious charges you face and can help you defend your rights in the courtroom.